Who’s Zhang Weili’s next challenger? Fans eagerly await her upcoming fight. Who will test her skills next in the octagon?
The fighting world has seen many champions, but Zhang Weili’s style brings something fresh to the table. She combines traditional Chinese martial arts with modern MMA techniques, creating a unique fighting approach. When Zhang Weili knocked out Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning backfist in 2022, the MMA world stood still. That moment wasn’t just about winning a fight, it marked her incredible comeback journey after losing her title to Rose Namajunas.
Zhang’s story goes beyond the octagon, starting as a hotel desk clerk who trained in martial arts since age six. Her transformation from working odd jobs in Beijing to becoming UFC’s first Chinese champion shows what determination can achieve.
Zhang’s professional career kicked off in 2013 with a loss, but that setback only fueled her fire. She went on to win 21 straight fights, including claiming the UFC strawweight title by defeating Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds.
Her first battle with Jedrzejczyk in 2020 is considered one of the greatest fights in women’s MMA history. After losing her belt to Namajunas, Zhang didn’t crumble – she rebuilt herself, trained harder, and recaptured the title by submitting Carla Esparza in 2022. Her recent title defense against Yan Xianon at UFC 300 showed just how far she has come.
Zhang Weili is now scheduled to defend her UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship against Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event at UFC 312 on February 9, 2025. This fight presents a fascinating stylistic matchup. Suarez is undefeated. She is known for her dominant wrestling background and remains undefeated in her professional career.
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia winner is often compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov for her relentless grappling style. The fight was announced after Zhang’s successful title defense against Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300, where she showcased her improved ground game. This fight will test the Chinese champion in ways she hasn’t been tested before, and by the looks of it, she seems ready!
Zhang Weili versus Tatiana Suarez isn’t just another title defense – it’s a clash of fighting philosophies and the future of the division. Weili’s striking prowess against Suarez’s wrestling expertise makes this an intriguing matchup for fight fans. The champion has shown she can handle herself on the ground, earning her brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after submitting Esparza. But Suarez’s Olympic-level wrestling presents a different kind of challenge.
Zhang Weili’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges has become her trademark. The world will be watching her attempts to continue her dominance in the strawweight division. Whether she’s throwing spinning backfists or defending takedowns, one thing’s certain. Zhang Weili has changed the face of women’s MMA in Asia and continues to inspire a new generation of fighters.
(Image Credit: Paul Miller – Imagn Images)